Maty Mauk’s teammates have tried to hand Indiana every advantage.

The receivers have dropped passes. Center Evan Boehm’s snaps have been erratic. The team committed four penalties in the first quarter. The offensive line has gotten manhandled in the running game. The defense has given up chunks of yardage.

Boehm, Russell Hansbrough and Anthony Gatti have suffered injuries, the latter unable to put any weight on his leg as trainers practically carried him off the field.

Yet Mauk made brilliant throw after throw. His best, after eluding pressure and throwing into a window across his body as he floated toward the right sideline on third-and-25, hit Marcus Murphy in the hands past the sticks. But the running back turned his head upfield, wary of the defense, and dropped the ball.

On the next drive, Mauk got smashed on a pitch to Hansbrough, who slashed through the defense for a 42-yard gain on third-and-17. Then Mauk completed a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jimmie Hunt on the next play.

Indiana (0-2) since has scored a second touchdown and leads 14-7 early in the second quarter.

Missouri (3-0) entered the game as a 14.5-point home favorite.